Recruitment The Most Important Aspect

It’s like a triangle really of Sam, myself and Chris to deal with all football issues, with recruitment the most important of all."

Steve McClaren

Steve McClaren says Chris Evans’ appointment as Head of Football Operations is a step in the right direction for Derby County.

Evans took up his post with the Rams on Monday of this week to strengthen Derby’s football staff.

The key areas of Evans’ role will include a focus on recruitment, management of the scouting system and providing operational support to McClaren.

Evans has served Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield Wednesday during the past 24 years since hanging up his boots, in various roles, including Coaching, Head of Recruitment, Academy Manager, Performance Director, Assistant Manager and Caretaker Manager.

McClaren says Evans’ arrival will be vital, particularly in the recruitment of players moving forwards.

He told Rams Player: “From the moment I arrived on the last day of September I spoke to Sam Rush (Chief Executive) about recruitment being the most important aspect of a football club.

“It’s about players, quality players within the budget that you have.

“We’ve worked towards someone that could come in and be in control of that and quite a few other areas as well.

“That will release time from both myself and Sam to concentrate on what we do best.

“It’s like a triangle really of Sam, myself and Chris to deal with all football issues, with recruitment the most important of all.”

McClaren says Evans is an ‘ambitious and hardworking individual’ and someone he has known for considerable period of time, stretching back to the duos playing days.

He also believes his considerable experience and knowledge over the course of the last 24 years since hanging up his boots will prove to be an invaluable asset for Derby.

“I know Chris well, right back to when I was a youth coach at Oxford United and came across him whilst he was at Wolves,” he said.

“We’ve remained in touch ever since and he has a wealth of experience in various positions.

“He’s not just been a scout; he’s worked in more or less every single football department at a club.

“Chris knows the job, knows players and he’s very organised, as well as being hardworking and ambitious to move forwards with Derby County.”